This bill amends Kansas laws concerning irrigation districts and the regulation of water obstructions and dams. It introduces mail ballot elections for the board of directors, allowing the board to set term lengths of two, three, or four years. The bill clarifies the definition of a "dam" and specifies what constitutes a water obstruction. It also establishes civil penalties for violations of these regulations and outlines the election schedule, which will generally occur on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November in odd-numbered years. The responsibilities of the chief engineer of the division of water resources are defined, particularly in overseeing elections and managing water obstructions.

Additionally, the bill allows the chief engineer to require permits for necessary water obstructions while removing the requirement for prior written consent for certain hazard class A dams under specific conditions. It classifies penalties for violations as class C misdemeanors, with each day of continued violation after notice being a separate offense. The attorney general is empowered to take legal action against unlawful constructions, and civil penalties ranging from $100 to $500 may be imposed, with all collected penalties directed to the state treasury for the water structures fund. The bill repeals certain existing statutes and will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 42-706, 75-4215